Though the weather has been warm and sunny, it might suddenly occur to you that holiday shopping is on the horizon. We found several fairs and events lined up for this weekend that will help with that holiday shopping while you’re out enjoying the beautiful Santa Cruz weather.
Veteran’s Day is Sunday and there are events on tap to honor our Veterans, too. Thank you to all of our Veterans out there. Have a great weekend everyone!
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
There are dozens of local craft fairs and shopping events in Santa Cruz County, many of which take place this weekend. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping with our 2018 Guide to Santa Cruz Holiday Craft Fairs & Shopping Events.Friday
REEL ROCK 13
When: 11/9 at 7:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Watch some of the best climbing films from this year! Four films will bring you incredible action, meaningful perspectives and lots of humor, too. Featured films: The Valley of the Moon, Queen Maud Land, Age of Ondra and Up to Speed.
Suds: The Rocking 60’s Musical Soap Opera
When: Opening night: 11/9. Runs through Dec. 2
Where: The Colligan Theater
Cost: $45/$50
A struggling laundress gets assistance from her guardian angels about how to find true love. This box office smash features over 50 hit songs from the 60s. Come out for a entertaining night loaded with fun!
Food Truck Friday Honoring Local Veterans
When: 11/9 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Skypark
Cost: No Cover
It’s the last Food Truck Friday Event of the season at Skypark in Scotts Valley! Come and join in on the fun and help honor our local Veterans. You can nominate local vets on the link below for a chance to win dinner and dessert from the food trucks that evening.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Virtuosic Artists Collide in Elegant Conversation of Latin + Blues on StringShot @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- LIVE MUSIC BY CALAFIA ARMADA @ SANTA CRUZ MAH
- Blue Ocean Rockers @ Crow’s Nest
- LOCOMOTIVE BREATH w/ SPUN @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Southern Culture On The Skids @ Moe’s Alley
- Holy Wave w/ TBD @ The Crepe place
- PUSHA T @ The Catalyst
- BASKERY @ The Catalyst
- BLEEP BLOOP @ The Catalyst
- Jacki Turner Group @ Severino’s
- Shady Rest @ Michael’s On Main
- EXTRA LARGE @ Michael’s On Main
- Ho’omana Hawaiian Band @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
THEATER/ARTS
- Russell Brutsché Songs @ Resource Center For Nonviolence
- ARTIST TALK WITH TAUNA COULSON @ SANTA CRUZ MAH
- IMAGINE Peace Now @ Radius Gallery
MAKE/CRAFT
- DIY Soy Candle Workshop @ Dream Maker Creative, 6412 Highway 9 Felton
- RECYCLED MATERIAL SCULPTURES WITH THE GOODWILL @ SANTA CRUZ MAH
OUTDOORS
- Wildflower and Nature Hike of Waddell Valley @ Rancho del Oso
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Author Talk: An afternoon with Alesa Lightbourne @ Live Oak Branch Library
MORE
- Night Market @ Santa Cruz Food Lounge
- Watsonville Farmers Market @ Downtown Watsonville Plaza
- Visit the Friends Bookstore! @ Santa Cruz Public Library
- Capitola Library Groundbreaking Ceremony @ 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola
Want to see all the best events in Santa Cruz every weekend? Click here to get these Weekend Roundup posts delivered straight to your inbox.Saturday
Estas Tonne: The Breath of Sound World Tour
When: 11/10 at 7:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $42-$65
This street performer turned YouTube star has traveled all over the world and brings many cultural styles to his own brand of classical guitar music. This is his first tour in the US. He is known world-wide as a modern-day Troubadour, bringing a variety of music styles to the stage including Flamenco, Gypsy, Latin and Electronic soundscapes.
11th Hour Coffee House Grand Opening Party
When: 11/10 from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Where: 11th Hour Coffee House
Cost: No Cover
Come and celebrate the Grand Opening of 11th Hour Coffee in Santa Cruz!
There will be many events throughout the day, such as brunch, live music, coffee cupping and even a latte art competition. Food trucks will be on scene for your dining pleasure.
GOAT HILL FAIR – UNIQUE ANTIQUE AND ARTISAN FAIR
When: 11/10 from 10:00 – 4:00 & 11/11 from 10:00 – 3:00
Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Cost: $10
A weekend of treasure hunting and early holiday shopping is in store for you! This popular and highly anticipated artisan style antiques and vintage show is back. The Goat Hill Fair is considered to be one of the most attended fairs in Northern California and boasts a wide variety of antiques, vintage and upcycled items. Early entry tickets are available online or general admission at the gate.
Aptos Grange Annual Holiday Craft Fair
When: 11/10 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: 2555 Mar Vista Dr- Aptos Grange
Cost: Free
The holidays are coming quickly and here’s a way to get a head start on some shopping while supporting local crafters and artists. A wide variety of crafters and artists will have their work on display for purchase. Proceeds go back into the community, as well as a raffle to support Medocino fire victims in Northern California.
Suds: The Rocking 60’s Musical Soap Opera
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- BR Jazz Band @ Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn
- LIVE MUSIC BY RETROGRADE SOUL @ SANTA CRUZ MAH
- b-4dawn @ Crow’s Nest
- Melvin Seals & JGB @ Moe’s Alley
- MRCH w/ Practicing Sincerity and Fringe Class @ The Crepe place
- SEAN HAYES @ The Catalyst
- ANDRE NICKATINA @ The Catalyst
- Bonedrivers (Roadhouse Style Rock ‘n’ Blues) @ Severino’s
- Lyin’ I’s Eagles Tribute Band @ Michael’s On Main
- Santa Cruz Chamber Players, American Voices (cubed) @ Christ Lutheran Church
THEATER/ARTS
- Sin Sisters Burlesque: Saturday November 10th @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- IMAGINE Peace Now @ Radius Gallery
MAKE/CRAFT
- Make & Take Autumn Decor @ Dream Maker Creative, 6412 Highway 9 Felton
- Make a Vase at Annieglass @ Annieglass Incorporated
OUTDOORS
- Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Old Tree Trail Hike @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Snake Park Saturday @ Rancho del Oso
- Birding for Beginners in Waddell Valley @ Rancho del Oso
- Drawing for the Love of Nature @ Rancho del Oso
- Monarch Butterfly Tours @ Natural Bridges State Beach
- Old-Growth Redwood Tours @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Building Methods at the Mission @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Candelabra Tree Hike @ Butano State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
- Aging Young: A Health and Wellness Event @ Cocoanut Grove
- Aptos Farmers Market @ Cabrillo College
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula – Midnight @ Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre
- Visit the Friends Bookstore! @ Santa Cruz Public Library
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Armistice Day Celebration / Veterans Day Remembrance
When: 11/11 from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz Town Clock & Veterans Memorial Building
Cost: Donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted, but the event is free.
The morning will begin with a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, now known as Veterans Day. The afternoon will be dedicated to a community symposium on creating peace. In addition to special guest speakers, the afternoon will feature an introduction with native drumming, veterans speak, music, breakout/discussion sessions, food, and a special Healing Center open from 1:00 to 4:00 hosted by Holistic Veterans and local healers.
Spotlight On The Symphony: Brass Over Bridges
When: 11/11 at 2:00 pm
Where: Samper Recital Hall
Cost: $20 – $45
An afternoon of brass awaits you as this Brass Quintet plays a combination of trumpets, trombones and horns. In honor of Veterans Day, music from American composers will be featured. Come and hear the wide range of sounds from the brass instruments played by performers as well as educators.
Mountainfilm on Tour Santa Cruz
When: 11/11 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $18
A selection of documentary films that will thrill you with action-packed footage and inspire your sense of adventure. Mountainfilm’s mission is to help create a better world, which is reflected in their film and art styles to bring awareness to conservationism and the environment.
Celebrate 45 Colorful Years!
When: 11/11 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Artisans Gallery
Come and celebrate 45 Colorful Years with the Artisan’s Gallery. Treats and drinks will be served. You can even spin the color wheel for prizes and discounts!
Downtown Santa Cruz Fall WINE WALK
When: 11/11 at 2:00 pm to 11/12 at 5:00 pm
Where: Soif`
Cost: $35 in advance / If not sold out in advance, then $40 day-of event per person
Walk for wine! Check in at the registration area for your pass and map. Then set out to enjoy a casual and relaxing afternoon exploring the shops of downtown while sipping some of the best in wines. Tickets are limited, so get your tickets soon!
Suds: The Rocking 60’s Musical Soap Opera
See Description Under Friday Section
GOAT HILL FAIR – UNIQUE ANTIQUE AND ARTISAN FAIR
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- GIRL’S NIGHT OUT, THE SHOW @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Joe Marcinek Band w/ Joe Tatton (New Mastersounds) & Groovesession @ Moe’s Alley
- Caitlin Jemma w/ The Keller Sisters and Hollis @ The Crepe place
- IYA TERRA @ The Catalyst
- The Box @ The Blue Lagoon
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s On Main
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
- Monarch Butterfly Tours @ Natural Bridges State Beach
- Salamander Safari @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Drop-In Family Craft: Yarn Baskets @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Coffee Talk and Crafts @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Berry Creek Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Watsonville Nature Walks @ City of Watsonville – Nature Center
MORE
- Corralitos Farm and Garden Market @ Corralitos Cultural Center
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
- Visit the Friends Bookstore! @ Santa Cruz Public Library
- “Fish Physiology: Can a Fish Drink Too Much?” Presentation @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Santa Cruz Downtown Antique Street Faire @ Downtown Santa Cruz
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Miracle on 34th Street, the Play
What: Miracle on 34th Street, the Play
Where: Park Hall, Ben Lomond
When: Friday – Sunday, November 16 – December 9
Mountain Community Theater presents its very own version of the holiday classic, “Miracle on 34th Street, the Play,” directed by Peter Gelblum. Join MCT for its 10th production, and the first since 2012, of this holiday favorite that will put you in the spirit of the season.
Garden Work Day – Volunteer Opportunity
What: Garden Work Day
Where: Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center
When: Saturday, November 17 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
If you’re looking for a way to give back this holiday season, this is a great volunteer opportunity for friends and families (ages 5 and up are welcome to join). Spend a few hours sprucing up the Shannon Collins Memorial Garden, which serves to celebrate the legacy of Shannon Collins and promote her ideals of education, community, and youth and women’s empowerment.
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